as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
your constant questions are a thorn in my side
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of thorn
Lai, a pugnacious former publisher whose now shuttered tabloid Apple Daily was a regular thorn in Beijing’s side, is in the midst of a national security trial that could send him to prison for life.
—
Juliana Liu, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
The absence of Curry will be a big thorn in the Warriors' side as he's been great these playoffs.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
The Freedom Caucus was once a thorn in the side of Trump early in his first term, when members opposed an ObamaCare replacement bill the president pushed for.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2025
Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez was a thorn in the side of Royals starter Kris Bubic, with two hits, including a three-run homer.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Juliana Liu, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
The absence of Curry will be a big thorn in the Warriors' side as he's been great these playoffs.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
The Freedom Caucus was once a thorn in the side of Trump early in his first term, when members opposed an ObamaCare replacement bill the president pushed for.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2025
Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez was a thorn in the side of Royals starter Kris Bubic, with two hits, including a three-run homer.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thorn
Noun
-
Once doctors reviewed the family’s travel history, treatment was quickly shifted to address concerns of histoplasmosis, which the CDC explains can cause cause flu-like symptoms including fever and chills, malaise, cough, headache, chest pain and body aches.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
23 May 2025
-
Symptoms include persistent fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, brain fog, shortness of breath and difficulty sleeping, per the Virginia Department of Health.—
Tess DeMeyer,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
And these types of messages go beyond being a mere nuisance.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
24 May 2025
-
In 2011, the Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit brought by a group of states (including California) against a number of power companies, claiming that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel generated electricity were a public nuisance under federal law.—
Josiah Neeley,
Oc Register,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Cold compress: Apply a cool, damp washcloth over your closed eyes. Splash your eyes with cold water: Splash gently with cold water to flush out the irritants.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
16 May 2025
-
Daily irritants in public space can quickly devolve into signs of a failing city.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Tyler expresses frustration in hearing that from him and not from Brandon and Theresa themselves.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
23 May 2025
-
Trump has expressed growing frustration with the rulings.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Visitors can step into a foodie paradise featuring high-quality ingredients from honeys and oils to spice & sauce seasoning and BBQ rubs, delectable street food from Peru, Korea, India, Turkey, Scandinavia and more.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
-
Students would also study flavor development, in which the Neales created a seasoning decoder that breaks down 400 different rubs into various flavor profiles.—
Anna Ortiz,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thorn. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share